asked the Minister for Justice the present position of those who qualified at the written test for the Garda trainee competition; when interviews will take place; and the reason successful candidates have been notified that it will not be possible to give them a clearer indication of the position until 1991.
Written Answers - Garda Trainee Competition.
25.
In accordance with the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations, 1988, it is the Civil Service Commissioners who are responsible for the conduct of competitions for the selection of Garda trainees. As I have indicated in replies to previous parliamentary questions, my Department is not directly involved in the holding of competitions of this nature.
It is the intention to make 1,000 appointments over the three years 1989, 1990 and 1991 from the recruitment competition which is at present in progress. I am informed by the Civil Service Commissioners that the position with regard to the conduct of this competition is as follows.
Applicants for the competition were informed that those placed highest in the written test would be called for competitive interview and that the number called for interview would be determined from time to time, having regard to the number required for training over the next three years. The written test has now been completed and all candidates have been informed of the outcome.
Because of the large number of candidates who reached the qualifying standard at the written test and as recruitment is to take place over a three-year period, interviews are being conducted on a phased basis during that period. Those candidates who, on the basis of the written test, are expected to be called for interview have been informed of that fact and of the year in which they will be called. However, it is not possible, at this stage, to indicate precisely the total number of candidates whom it will be necessary to interview, as this will depend on factors such as success rate of preceding candidates at the interview and subsequent medical examination. It is for that reason that the commissioners have informed some candidates that they do not expect to be in a position to give them a clearer indication until 1991.